Fragrance Friday-Cashmere Mist Deodorant by Donna Karan

This product is one of my best kept secrets. I was never really in favor of perfumed deodorants, especially ones that cost $18, but this one really won me over. I used Secret for years until I found this amazing product that not only keeps me smelling fresh for hours, but completely dry to boot! Donna Karan makes so many beautiful perfumes that I have loved and enjoyed in the past. Cashmere Mist is one of my absolute favorites, so I figured I would try out the deodorant in this scent! It's so delicate, feminine and clean. Trust me- if you try it, you'll love it.

Find it at major department stores and Utla

XO

Guest Blogger Thursday: CJSTYLES on the Denim Legging!

When i first heard denim leggings were hitting stores, im not going to lie, it scared me just a bit. I instantly thought of cheap material, the 80's, and fat thighs. I was totally wrong. Denim leggings are an awesome COMFORTABLE alternative to skinny jeans. Always opt for a darker tone as it will make your legs look taller and thinner. H&M has some great inexpensive options that are surprisingly good quality. Snag a pair for spring to wear under your fun and flowy sundresses as you transition into spring! Layer with a great cardi and pair and some great flats or boots for an adorable seasonless look.

shopbop it here

For more advice, tips, or to schedule an appointment please visit www.cjstyles.com, www.cjstylesblog.com, or email chelsea@cjstyles.com

Fragrance Friday-Cashmere Mist Deodorant by Donna Karan

This product is one of my best kept secrets.  I was never really in favor of perfumed deodorants, especially ones that cost $18, but this one really won me over.  I used Secret for years until I found this amazing product that not only keeps me smelling fresh for hours, but completely dry to boot!  Donna Karan makes so many beautiful perfumes that I have loved and enjoyed in the past. Cashmere Mist is one of my absolute favorites, so I figured I would try out the deodorant in this scent!  It's so delicate, feminine and clean.   Trust me- if you try it, you'll love it.

Find it at major department stores and Utla

XO

What's Happening Wednesday: We're heading to the BIG EASY

JFBL is packing our makeup kits and heading to the BIG EASY !!! 

This weekend, we'll be working with some of CT's most sought after wedding industry professionals on a photo shoot inspired by this amazing design board created by Candice of Jubliee Events!

We can't wait to share the experience and our work with everyone!  Stay tuned!

New Orleans here we come!!!!

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Treat Sensitive Skin

JF Mineral Sheer Tint SPF 15

JF Mineral Blush, Lipstick and Lip Gloss

images by Carrie Roseman

Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin is easily prone to react to certain characteristics such as environmental changes, substances applied, temperature changes, etc.  The tell tale signs that you have sensitive skin are, blushing, itching and easily sunburning.  Here are some factors that can cause symptoms of sensitive skin:

*lack of protective skin layer ( called the acid mantle) caused by over-drying the skin through the use of stripping soaps, alcohol, scrubs and certain acids.

*dryness and dehydration

*excess oil

*unprotected sun exposure ( even in cold climates)

*lack of proper skin care products

*overuse of skin care products ( exfoliates in particular)

*use of artificially fragranced makeup and skin care products

*harsh climates or sudden changes in climate

*air pollutions

*dyes in products

Look for products that have natural ingredients such as Shea butter, Chamomile, Neroli oil.  They all have natural healing properties that help to calm the skin.

Lastly, be sure to read the label before buying.  Look for products that say "for sensitive skin" and for products that are free of additives such as Formaldehyde, PABA, dyes and artificial fragrances, and harsh preservatives.

JF Minerals is healthy choice for makeup and GREAT for sensitive skin!  Call 917-573-8100 to inquire more about the line.  

XO

Must Have Monday- Aveeno Lotion

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion has been the Allure readers choice award winner for the last 3 years in a row!  I'm addicted to it.  The pump bottle is easy to use and the non-greasy texture absorbs instantly.  Applying this lotion has become an important part of my morning routine.  Unlike other moisturizers, this lotion contains natural oatmeal blended with rich emollients that provide relief from chapped skin caused by the effects of wind and cold weather.  It's noncomedogenic and fragrance-free formula is GREAT for all skin types, even sensitive skin! 

Available at most drugstores!

XO

Fragrance Friday-Make your own room spray

Make your own room spray by simply mixing together some essential oils (try Aura Cacia) and distilled water. I personally, love the smell of lavender but you can customize the spray to your liking.  There are so many essential oils to choose from. Here are the measurements and directions for a refreshing scent:

10 drops of lavender essential oil (relaxing)

14 drops of orange essential oil (refreshing)

5 drops of tea tree (antiseptic)

1/2 cup of distilled water ( you can find at most drug stores)

1 dark glass spray bottle ( store out of light and don't spray near eyes)

mix oils and water together.   Shake gently before use.

XO

Mystery Blogger Thursday: Glitter Rock

David Bowie as Ziggy Stardust
Gary Glitter- yep, he's for real

In the early seventies, the face of rock and roll transformed.  Building upon the liberation of the sixties, rockers expressed themselves in new and shocking ways.  Donned 'Glam Rock,' the style combined theater, science fiction, and androgynous sexuality.  

Luckily the music lives while the platform boots and glittered mullets have passed.   

-mystery blogger

Wedding Row Wednesday

Attention Ladies and Gents!  Please join us on February 6th for a perfect date!  

I am hosting a fun, sexy Valentines Day Event with the ladies of Wedding Row and some other talented friends of ours!  

See you there! 

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: How to de-puff eyes

I get asked this question quite a lot!  How do I get rid of my puffy eyes?  Here's a helpful home remedy that really works!!

First, get some tea bags (Lipton works just fine!), dip them in hot water and then chill them in the fridge.

When you wake up in the morning, take a soft wash cloth and steep it in cold water.  Cover your eyes with the cloth compress for 2-3 minutes.  Next, get the tea bags out of the fridge and place them over your eyes for about 5 more minutes.

Last, apply eye creams with caffeine to help promote circulation.  Try StriVectin SD eye cream, it's expensive but it shows results.

Oh, and get some rest!!

XO

Must Have Monday- Peace and Love

"peace is not merely a distinct goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal."

Martin Luther King

XO

Fragrance Friday-Prada Amber

I love my new perfume!!

Prada Amber is distinctive, intimate and sumptuous!

Bergamot, musk, sandlewood, rose, tonka bean, bitter orange and raspberry flowers!

XO

Guest Blogger: CJSTYLES on yoga style

With a devoted yogi as a mother, I am blessed to be able to borrow her fabulous selection of yoga wear. From Beyond Yoga to Lululemon, I have the pick of the draw when it comes to the best of the best of yoga clothing. There is absolutely no reason one should throw on their 'hang around the house' sweats and a frumpy t-shirt to attend their weekly yoga class. There are so many different options for looking fabulous on the mat. Wearing color when exercising definitely get's ones energy flowing. You instantly feel brighter inside and out. Get seamless lines and feel tall and thin with some good quality pieces. Fit is KEY. Take a look at some great options below and say 'om' with STYLE!

shop

shop
(my personal fav)

shop
I swear by these. They feel like your own skin.
Every woman must own a pair of the 'wunder unders'

Beyond Yoga is another pick of mine. Their pieces are softer than you can imagine. Not that sticky work out material. Soft as can be with amazing movement!


For more advice, tips, or to schedule an appointment please email Chelsea@cjstyles.com or visit www.cjstyles.com for more information

What's Happening Wednesday: JFBL welcomes Lindsay Milan

image by Justin and Mary Marantz

We have a new addition to the JFBL team!!  

Please welcome Lindsay Milan!

Lindsay joined JFBL in late 2009.  Her experience ranges from modeling and acting to beauty and fashion.  She has even worked on photo shoots for major publications like Glamour and Seventeen Magazine.

Other than beautifying the world with makeup, she is currently working as a style/fashion assistant in NYC while continuing to pursue her modeling and makeup career ( a great place to pick up current beauty trends and tips, if you ask me!).

Some of her interests are (in her own words): "Reading countless fashion magazine, scouring the shelves of Sephora and Ulta for hours on end, the travel network, and The Office ( I love Jim!)".

Lindsay graduated from the University of Connecticut as a Communications major/Spanish minor.  She is also a part of an acapella group called "The Chordials".  She jokes, "if any bride requests a singing, beat-boxing makeup artist, I'm happy to help!"

I'm so proud to have Lindsay on the JFBL team, not just for her talents, but because she makes me smile every time I am around her!  She is a ray of sunshine that makes any day you spend with her that much brighter.

I look forward to having her share her warm personality, creative talents, positive energy and beauty with all of you! 

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Healthy Hair 101

There is an art to maintaining healthy hair.  Here are a few helpful tips:

1.) Wash hair less frequently.  (2-3 times a week is enough)  On the days you don't wash, rinse with water and apply conditioner to your ends.  If you don't want to wet your hair, use a dry shampoo on the roots to absorb excess oils.

3.) Use a "healthy" shampoo.  A lot of companies are making sulfate-free formulas that won't dry out your hair.  L'Oreal makes a good one.

4.) Use a hair mask once a week.  (especially if you use heating tools, like flat irons and curling irons.)  My favorite is by Kerastase.

5.) Try to let your hair air dry once and a while.  Heating tools, will dry out your hair if used every day.

6.)  Use a natural, boar bristle brush.  They massage the scalp with your natural oils, making your hair extra shiny.  Marilyn Brushes are the best!!  

7.) Get your hair trimmed on a regular basis ( every 6-8 weeks).  When you skip regualr cuts, you get split ends, which make the hair look frizzy and dry.  

Xo

Must Have Monday- Covergirl Outlast Lipstain

I LOVE a good, productive trip to Target!!  Recently, I discovered this gem of a makeup product and honestly, I can't get enough!  Covergirl Outlast Lip stain is amazing!  The packaging is really the best part- it's a pen applicator!  No more messy spills!  I'm still devastated by the time my Benefit lip stain opened inside of my new hand bag and stained the entire lining!  Well, anyway, I also love how this product gives just a flush of color and doesn't dry out your lips like most stains.  You can wear it alone or with lipgloss on top!  I am going back this week to stock up my wedding makeup kit (for all you brides out there who want lasting color!) with every shade available!  

XO

Team Luncheon at The Beauty Library

Today was our first team meeting of 2010!  

We gathered at The Beauty Library this afternoon to enjoy a delicious lunch from the Cooking Company, celebrate the start of a new wedding season, review our fast-booking calendars and welcome our newest member, Lindsay Milan.  (Keep an eye out for a blog post formally welcoming Lindsay very soon!)

A very special thank you to True Event for helping me plan and style this lovely luncheon with my girls!

XO

Fragrance Friday-Lollia Bubble Bath

Yesterday I enjoyed a splendid day, running around NYC with my friend Racheal.  We started the day in Astoria with an hour long massage at the Chinese Rongshifa Tuina Center (they dont' have a website but the address is: 25-18 Broadway; 718-278-1921)!  I'll be honest, the actual shop itself is no frills, but the massage was the BEST one I ever had!  Light as feathers, we found our way to Union Square to have lunch at the loungy pseudo-dinner, Coffee Shop.  Then, with hot, carmel machiato's in hand, we hit all of our favorite stores: Sephora, Sacco, Anthroplogie, and Rickey's, shopping and dreaming the afternoon away.  It was just fabulous!  Later, as we parted ways, Racheal told me she was going to go home and finish off the day with a hot bubble bath by candle light!  Ahhhh, made me miss my bath tub!  

I love this bubble bath by Lollia (mostly for the packaging, you all know how I love birds!)  The beautiful blend of natural extracts of white tea and poppy seed, will help you relax and the jar will be a piece of vintage artwork in your loo!   

Find it at Antropologie!

XO

Guest Blogger: CJSTYLES Trend Alert, Drawstring Bags!

The drawstring bag is this season's 'it' bag. What a trend we have here! This is definitely another take on the 80's proving that its influence is here to stay (for now)! Several designers are taking their own approach with this and to be honest, I love them all! As I have said many times before, I am a lover of vintage through and through so I would love to get my hands on a great worn in drawstring bag from the 80's.

shop
(my personal fav)

shop

shop

shop

For more advice, tips, or to schedule an appointment please email Chelsea@cjstyles.com or visit www.cjstyles.com for more information

What's Happening Wednesday: JFBL in Brides CT Magazine

The latest issue of BRIDE'S Connecticut is NOW on news stands! Make sure to pick up an issue and check out the "REAL BRIDES" section! All three brides featured in this issue had makeup done by Jennie Fresa Beauty Library! How exciting! We are thrilled to have such a presence in this amazing publication! Thank you to Kristin, Victoria and Mia for sharing your wedding day with everyone! You all look so beautiful!


We'll be posting some of our favorite beauty shots of the brides that were featured in the magazine very soon. Stay tuned....

XO

Beauty Tip Tuesday: Fight Cellulite

Did you know that cellulite has nothing to do with fat, even skinny people have it. It's a problem with blood flow and circulation. Even stress causes cellulite by dehydrating the body. Here's what you can do to fight cellulite:

Take a warm bubble bath and add a drops of lavender essential oil to help you relax.
Have a therapeutic deep tissue massage once a month
Take regular walks and take a regular yoga class
Exfoliate the body; try Clinique Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliator Cream.
Drink more water with lemon.

XO

Must Have Monday: Fancy Feet!

I think these boots are one of the best inventions ever! One snowy, winter day, three sisters in New Jersey went out to enjoy an afternoon of beauty! As they waited and waited for their toes to dry, they got thinking about how pedicures in the winter really stink because you have to wait so long for the polish to dry and even then, it almost always smudges once you put them back in your snow boots. They realized, you can't wear flip flops on an icy cold day in January, you would freeze your bootie off! And, so, Bootie Pies were born at last! I first discovered these boots several years ago when Trish McEvoy ( my old boss) gave them to me as a holiday gift! They are comfortable, warm, the perfect solution to winter pedicures and they alway spark up a good conversation at the nail salon!

Click here, to order a pair of Bootie Pies!

XO